Everyday Ironman Podcast

Sean Duffey joins Mike and Ashley for a conversation that blends family, youth sports, and the journey into triathlon! 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Sean grew up playing baseball and basketball and now coaches his own children in youth sports. That leads the crew down an interesting rabbit hole: Why is youth soccer so popular in America, yet the U.S. hasn’t embraced the sport quite like the rest of the world? ⚽️🌎

Sean also shares how he made the decision to enter the world of triathlon and what drew him toward the sport. And, of course, Mike finds a reason to question Ashley’s secret i...

This week on The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we head to New Zealand to catch up with Murray Drinnan — proof that it's never too late to become an endurance athlete. Murray didn't lace up his running shoes until age 57, and since then he's built a résumé most lifelong athletes would envy.

Murray takes us back to his first Ironman, complete with the rookie mishaps every first-timer can relate to, and walks us through how that race sparked a full-blown obsession with endurance sport — one that's since evolved into brutal, awe-inspiring ultra trail races. And if that's not impres...

Ashley’s favorite Instagram personality, Mary Brown, joins Mike and Ashley for a fun conversation about her journey from basketball courts in France to the world of endurance sports! 🇫🇷🏀🏃‍♀️

Mary started running during business school, completed the LA Marathon in 2016, and discovered triathlon in 2025 after tackling an ultramarathon. After completing Ironman 70.3 La Quinta in December 2025, she set her sights on a full-distance Ironman—specifically Ironman California. There was just one problem: it sold out before she could register.

Then, thanks to her role as a SHOKZ ambassador, Mary won an Ironman entry and secured her spot at this year’s Ir...

This week on The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we sit down with Damon Watson for a conversation you won't forget. Damon's story defies every stereotype about who gets to call themselves an endurance athlete. A Princeton grad with a Harvard law degree, Damon's path took a dramatic turn — time served in LA County, years living on Skid Row, and a return trip to San Bernardino County jail, but it was in the wreckage of that chapter that Damon found triathlon.

Today, Damon is a full Ironman finisher and an Aqua Bike champion, proof that redemption isn't just possible — it's...

This week on The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Lori Elliott joins us for an incredible conversation about how endurance sports have transformed her life. With previous guest Brian Weyenberg filling in as co-host for Mike, Lori shares the story of a childhood accident that threatened her ability to run—and how that setback ultimately led her to triathlon after getting bored with just running.

Her endurance journey began in the late 1990s/early 2000s and has taken her around the globe. Lori has completed a half marathon, full marathon, and triathlon on all seven continents! 🌎🏃‍♀️🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️ She shares memorable experiences fro...

What does it take to run one of the most legendary ultra race series in the world? Ryan Cooper knows. 🏔️

Ryan joins The Everyday Ironman Podcast straight from the operational heart of UTMB North America, where he oversees logistics for half of their North American race series. But before the behind-the-scenes work, there was a personal journey into endurance sports that will resonate deeply with every age group athlete listening. 🎙️💪

Ryan pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to execute world-class trail and ultra running events, shares his passion for the trails, and gives fascina...

Ready to take your triathlon adventures off the beaten path? In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we welcome Paul Gigliotti and Nathan King, the race directors of XTERRA Branson, to answer all the questions first-time off-road triathletes are asking.

After recently purchasing her first full-suspension mountain bike, Ashley reached out to Paul and Nathan to learn what it takes to make the leap from road racing to XTERRA. The conversation covers the history of XTERRA Branson, trail etiquette, mountain bike and shoe recommendations, course insights, and what...

Want to level up your training? Coach Josh Venis has you covered. 🎯

Josh joins The Everyday Ironman Podcast to deliver a masterclass for age group athletes at every level. Whether you're a seasoned racer or just getting started, Josh's coaching insight is practical, actionable, and immediately applicable to your next training block. 💪

Fresh off completing Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley, Josh digs into some of the most talked-about training topics in triathlon — the role of music in your workouts, how to structure a smart marathon training plan, and his top five tips for training in the heat. 🎵🏃☀️

Josh brings t...

At 85 years young, Australia's Alf Lakin proves that age is no barrier to chasing finish lines. 

In this inspiring episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Alf shares his remarkable journey from a track and field athlete to becoming a seven-time World Championship competitor in triathlon and duathlon after discovering the sport in 2016. We laugh about Ashley's pre-show technology coaching session before diving into Alf's incredible mindset, including his personal motto: "If I can start a race, I want to finish it." 

Alf explains the standard Super Sprint triathlon distances, why Sprint and Super Sp...

Some comebacks are worth every mile. 🙌

Damien Black joins The Everyday Ironman Podcast to share his journey back into triathlon after stepping away from the sport. Over the last couple of years, Damien has reignited his passion for racing and is now setting his sights on one of the most iconic races on the global calendar — Ironman Australia. 🏊🚴🏃🇦🇺

Damien's story is one that will resonate with any age group athlete who has ever walked away from the sport and wondered if they could find their way back. Spoiler: you can. 💪

From rediscovering his love for training to ta...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, JJ Schuster joins Mike and Ashley for a conversation that covers everything from triathlon prep to life-changing purpose. 

JJ shares that he and former guest/fill-in co-host Chris Curtis swim at the same pool, why being a physical list maker helps him stay locked in before races like Ironman 70.3 Boulder, and his thoughts on gravel biking and even BASE jumping.

 The conversation takes a deeper turn as JJ opens up about founding Kona 4 Ethan in 2001 to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention after personal tragedy. 

M...

Ever wonder what goes into creating a race experience you'll never forget? 🎉🏁

Corey Roberts, the man behind RACE Awesome and race director for Ironman 70.3 Omaha and Ironman 70.3 Jones Beach, joins The Everyday Ironman Podcast to pull back the curtain on what it takes to put on world-class triathlon events. 🏊🚴🏃

An Ironman finisher himself, Corey brings an athlete's heart to every race he directs. This Australian-born, New York-based race director has become one of the most beloved figures in the Ironman community — known for his electric race-day energy, genuinely fun atmosphere, and hilariously entertaining educational videos that every triath...

⚠️ This episode contains discussion of postpartum depression and suicidal ideation. Resources are available at 988 (call or text) and Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773.

Some friendships are forged in fire — and some are forged on the finish line. 💛🏁

Ashley Mohror and Chelsea Owens join Ashley Raines and Broccoli Rob for one of the most powerful conversations The Everyday Ironman Podcast has ever hosted. Together, they've crossed every finish line that matters — first triathlon, first half marathon, first full marathon — side by side. Now they're chasing their first Ironman 70.3 together. 🏊🚴🏃

But this episode goes beyond racing. Ashle...

Angie Jackson returns to The Everyday Ironman Podcast for her third appearance, joining us just six days after crossing the finish line at Ironman Jacksonville. In this inspiring conversation, Angie shares her race-day experience, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned from another incredible Ironman journey.

We also dive into an important discussion about representation in endurance sports. As a Black female athlete, Angie offers her perspective on competing in a sport where athletes who look like her remain significantly underrepresented. Her insights highlight both the progress being made and the opportunities that still exist to...

DJ Humphreys is back — and a lot has changed. 🙌 Since his last appearance on The Everyday Ironman Podcast, DJ has made some bold life moves: he stepped away from truck driving to pursue a college degree in digital marketing, got married 💍, and kept chipping away at the sport he loves with several sprint triathlons under his belt.

Now he's adding Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga to the list. 🏊🚴🏃

DJ sits down with Ashley Raines and Brian Weyenberg to break down the race — the preparation, the challenges, and everything it took to cross that finish line. His journey is a powerful reminder...

Ashley Raines and Chris Curtis sit down with Jill Bartholomew — veteran triathlete, certified triathlon coach, professional bike fitter, and host of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast. Jill brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, sharing insights from years of racing and coaching age group athletes at every level. In 2026, she's taking on an incredible challenge: four full Ironman races, including Ironman Jacksonville. Whether you're chasing your first finish line or hunting a PR, Jill's passion for the sport and her expertise in run Disney events, bike fitting, and endurance coaching will leave you fired up and ready to tr...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we welcome Doug Miller to the conversation for a fun and wide-ranging chat that every Age Group Athlete will enjoy. A member of Team Zoot and a Captain in the Sheriff’s Department, Doug brings discipline, humor, and real-life perspective to endurance sport. We dive into his recent purchase of two Diamond bikes and his experience meeting TJ Tollakson—confirming he’s just as awesome in person as he is online. Despite a few internet hiccups, the laughs keep coming as we debate zombie apocalypse strategy and get interrupted by Ashley’s dog de...

What's your excuse? James Logan was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer two years ago — and he's still racing. In this powerful episode, James joins the conversation to share his extraordinary journey through surgery, recovery, and relentless forward motion. With part of his liver and colon removed and his rectum fully gone, James refuses to stop. He's now on a mission to raise $100,000 for the Ironman Foundation and has written a book, Just Keep Tri-ing, to help fund that goal.

This is not our usual episode. It's raw, emotional, and one of the most inspiring conversations we've ever had. Ke...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, accomplished endurance athlete Josh Sprague joins the conversation for a wide-ranging and entertaining discussion. As the founder of Orange Mud, Josh shares insights into designing practical gear for carrying hydration and nutrition during training and racing. The crew swaps stories from gravel riding, mountain biking, trail running, and triathlon, highlighting the unique challenges and fun each discipline brings. They dive into gear choices like full face helmets and clipless pedals, while also addressing bike safety—including the real dangers of texting while riding. Ashley puts Josh on the spot with questions ab...

n this episode, Bob Kerwin returns to The Everyday Ironman Podcast to share what’s unfolded over the past two years. From finally meeting Ashley in person at the Boston Marathon to toeing the line at Nationals in Atlantic City, Bob reflects on the highs, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. He also dives into his experience completing Ironman Lake Placid, offering insight into preparation, race-day mindset, and what it takes to stay consistent as an Age Group athlete. This conversation is packed with relatable moments, growth, and motivation for anyone chasing big endurance goals while balancing everyday li...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike and Ashley welcome Javier Clavelo—official announcer for Ironman 70.3 races across Mexico. Introduced by friend of the show JT Thomson, Javier shares his journey from Cuba to the finish line mic, fueled by a lifelong passion for culture, sport, and storytelling. He reflects on discovering endurance sports through his father, his background in radio and track & field announcing, and what race weekend really looks like behind the scenes. Javier also answers the long-debated question: is “You are an Ironman” universal, or does it change across languages? The conversation wraps with a fun...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Wayne Forward returns from Australia fresh off racing Ironman New Zealand—and this time, he shares the full story behind his first DNF. From the highs of race build-up to the unexpected challenges on course, Wayne opens up about the physical and mental hurdles he faced.

He dives into how being on holiday leading into race week impacted his preparation and mindset, and the tough decision to step off the course. Most importantly, Wayne shares powerful lessons learned about listening to your body, managing expectations, and redefining success as an...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike is joined by friend, co-worker, and first-time 70.3 finisher Christopher Sprowl. From staying at Mike’s house race week to toeing the line at the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm, Chris shares his journey from college high jumper and high school swimmer to triathlete.

They dive into wetsuit struggles, heart rate zones (including a max HR of 209), and the reality of balancing training with family life. Race day brought unexpected challenges, including a canceled swim and brutal winds on the bike and run. Chris reflects on pushing through adversity, crossing th...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast with Ashley Raines and Chris Curtis, Naveen Mysore shares an incredible story of resilience, patience, and perseverance. After facing temporary paralysis, Naveen began his comeback with just a few minutes of walking each day, simply looking for a way to move forward during recovery. What started as a small step turned into a marathon goal—and ultimately a journey toward becoming an Ironman in 2025. Naveen opens up about rebuilding both physically and mentally, the power of consistency, and how progress compounds over time. His story is a powerful reminder to Age Gro...

Amanda Duling joins The Everyday Ironman Podcast to share an inspiring journey that proves it’s never too late to transform your life. A Kansas-based athlete, wife of 20+ years, and mom to a high schooler, Amanda found endurance sports six years ago following gastric bypass surgery—and has since lost over 110 pounds. She opens up about how the triathlon community embraced her and why she’s passionate about helping female athletes navigate challenges often left unspoken.

We also dive into triathlon relays, race goals, recovery hygiene, and yes… Mike finally learns how to properly apply chamois cream. Amanda d...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Ashley Raines and Chris Curtis are joined by Jes Palatka, a true example of what it means to pursue big goals alongside real life. Jes lives in Ohio, is the proud mom of three adult children, works full time at a university, runs a nonprofit, and is actively working toward her PhD—all while training for Ironman.

Jes’s endurance journey started early. She ran her first marathon at just 18 years old and has since completed an incredible 30 marathons. Since 2022, she has taken on the ulti...

Tiffany and Caitlin Saunders—better known as Team Saunders Tri—return to The Everyday Ironman Podcast to preview the inaugural Ironman 70.3 in Little Elm, Texas. With a strong presence on social media and a reputation as accomplished triathletes, they were even featured in the race’s official announcement video.

In this episode, Tiffany and Caitlin share insights from their YouTube series Train Like a Pro and break down the course after previewing it while filming race content. We also discuss the unique challenge of hosting a 70.3 in North Texas this early in the season and the unpredictable weathe...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike and Ashley welcome Lars Mainer, a Denmark native now living in the U.S. and a teammate of Ashley on Team Zoot. Lars shares how his endurance journey began in the marathon world before evolving into long-course triathlon, including racing Ironman Cozumel.

The conversation goes beyond racing as Lars explains the science of wind propulsion through his experience as a kite surfer and how those lessons translate to endurance sports. He also discusses insights from his Master’s thesis and a powerful co...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we’re joined by Maiki Cofer, who lives just minutes from Ironman World Championship in Kona—aka the place every triathlete dreams of racing. A longtime volunteer at the World Championship, Maiki gives real insight into qualifying from Hawaii and why it’s still far from easy.

She shares her journey from a 2014 relay to her first Olympic-distance finish, racing Ironman 70.3 Hawaii multiple times, and we discuss the cost to race there when you don’t live on the island. We also talk Team Zoot, her role as a Lea...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Jana Laughlin joins the conversation for a wide-ranging and honest discussion about endurance sport, resilience, and balance. Jana growing up swimming recreationally before discovering cycling later in life while recovering from breast cancer—a journey that ultimately led her to meet her husband through the cycling community. A spontaneous suggestion turned into her first triathlon just days later, and she’s been hooked ever since.

Jana shares insights on avoiding overuse injuries, training on limited sleep, and managing low blood pressure while still showing up consistently. We also...

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we’re joined by Adam Jones—recording remotely while stuck in the Atlanta airport—for a wide-ranging conversation that Age Group Athletes will truly relate to. Adam shares how his endurance journey began not with triathlon, but with RAGBRAI, the iconic 7-day bike ride across Iowa, sparking a lifelong passion for endurance sports.

Adam walks us through his progression into triathlon, starting with a Sprint distance race and a Top 5 Age Group finish, moving up to Olympic distance, a weather-shortened bike at ...